'L' hell can wait

That wasn't so bad, was it? Despite gloomy predictions from CTA execs, there has been very little bellyaching about the first two days of commuting along the reduced "L" tracks on the North Side.

As Kyra Kyles reported in Tuesday's "Going Public" column, riders reveled in smooth train rides and uncrowded platforms on Monday. The same was true on Tuesday, according to riders and the CTA.

However, some remain skeptical of how long they'll get a reprieve from what CTA Chairwoman Carole Brown bluntly called "hell." And, of course, two days of relatively headache-free travel doesn't mean Chicago's public transit woes are solved, as a few readers can attest to this week.

Sitting pretty

I really do not want to jinx what is going on with the CTA, but service on the Red Line has been wonderful since Monday when they started with the reconstruction of the tracks.

With all the publicity leading up to the April date, I must admit that they had me fearful of what to expect. The rides have been smoother and even better than before all this began.

It seems to me that the CTA has really thought this out well and has orchestrated all of this beautifully. Keep up the good work. Keep the customers happy and everyone will profit from it.

Phil Davis, 63, Rogers Park

Save the complaints

I am amazed at the description of hell in the paper these last two days.

I would think hell would be living in Darfur and being 8 years old watching my mother die ... Being homeless and invisible in Chicago in the middle of the winter ... Living in Iraq ...

Let's face it, most of us have never been in hell. We are selfish, a little bit spoiled and somewhat inconvenienced by the CTA. Let's be just a bit grateful and less whiny about our sorry little lives.

Lisa Martin, 45, East Rogers Park

Red and Blue

Two things. First, the Red Line. I don't take this often, so it doesn't affect me. Just wait until CTA thinks no one is paying attention and things will get bad--crowded trains, less trains, infrequent buses. CTA knows we are watching, for now.

Second, the Blue Line. This is where delayed and infrequent service is! I have noticed that trains never leave at their posted times at O'Hare. Sure, trains are running late due to slow zones, but that doesn't stop them from leaving on time. And at midday, [as] I type this, I need to allow myself 75 minutes to reach O'Hare for a ride that should take half that!

When is CTA going to fix this? It would be much faster to drive. Add me to the "Wish I could fire CTA list."

Todd Taylor, 42, Bucktown

Clear the way

At first thought, it appears that Metra offers a more satisfying way of commuting. However, Metra is plagued with issues.

One such issue is the obstruction of doors and walkways when commuters are trying to enter or exit the train. I ride the Southwest Service Metra line, and about three weeks ago on the 4:30 p.m. train a physical fight erupted between two female passengers about this issue.

The people who exit the train on the first two stops often have to step over rude people, bags and alcohol containers to exit the train. This shouldn't be.

Recently, I tried to get off at my stop and tried to enlist the conductor to have a woman move out of the door so that I could use the handrails. He became abrasive and said Metra told him not to address passengers that pose an obstruction to the doors and ramp because it would offend them. It's about time that someone airs the dirty laundry of the Metra commute.